Houthi blockade threat turns back tankers in the Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi rebels threatened a blockade of Saudi Arabia on July 20, 2026, putting Saudi crude oil exports through the Red Sea at risk amid renewed fighting, the Financial Times reported.

At least four tankers reversed course in the days that followed. All of the vessels had been travelling to or from Saudi ports, and ship-tracking data confirmed the course changes, according to BBC News.

The reversals were reported on July 21 and July 22, 2026. A fresh threat to Red Sea shipping emerged alongside the tanker U-turns, the Financial Times said.